Designated Learning Institution
Definition
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a Canadian province or territory to enrol international students. A study permit generally requires a letter of acceptance from a DLI, and each institution has a DLI number beginning with the letter O. Only study at an eligible DLI counts toward most post-graduation work permit eligibility.
Why the DLI list matters
To study in Canada at the post-secondary level, an applicant generally needs a letter of acceptance from a DLI before applying for a study permit. IRCC publishes an official list where you can search schools by province or territory and find each institution's DLI number, which starts with an O and must be entered on the application.
If a school is not on the list, IRCC will not grant a study permit for it. Many applicants now also need a Provincial Attestation Letter alongside their acceptance. Agencies handling Canadian study permits verify DLI status before a student commits to a program.
DLIs and work permits
DLI status also affects what happens after graduation. Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on studying at an eligible DLI in a qualifying program, and requirements have tightened over time.
Not every DLI or program leads to the same post-study options, and part-time or online-only study may not count, so students should confirm both the school's designation and the program's eligibility before enrolling. Agencies supporting study-abroad clients check these details early to avoid costly surprises.
Confirming a school's DLI status and number is a basic but critical checkpoint before a study permit application. VisaCRM can record each student's DLI, acceptance letter, and related documents so staff never file against an ineligible school.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Designated Learning Institution?
It is a school that a Canadian province or territory has approved to host international students. For most post-secondary study, you need a letter of acceptance from a DLI before you can apply for a study permit. Each DLI has a number beginning with O, which you enter on the application. Schools not on the list cannot support a study permit.
How do I check if a school is a DLI?
IRCC publishes an official list of Designated Learning Institutions, searchable by province and territory, showing each school's DLI number. Confirm the school appears on the current list before you apply or pay tuition, because designation status can change. Primary and secondary schools are generally designated automatically, but colleges and universities should be verified individually.
Do I need a DLI for a post-graduation work permit?
Yes. Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on completing an eligible program at an eligible DLI, and the rules have tightened in recent years. Part-time or online-only study may not qualify. Because criteria change, confirm both the institution's designation and the specific program's PGWP eligibility with official IRCC guidance before enrolling.
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